Modular gondola moving systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Examples includes systems and methods for lifting and moving gondolas using a modular gondola moving system. Components of a modular gondola moving system include interchangeable skates. The interchangeable skates are further removably attached to a longitudinal member which, when connected to the longitudinal member, form a skate system. Multiple skate systems are positioned to the underside of a gondola and may additionally be connected together by connector bars for stabilization and to form the modular gondola moving system. One or more lifting devices are provided independent of and are used in combination with each skate system for positioning the gondola on each skate system. The one or more lifting devices may be repeatedly used in order to place the gondola on a single modular gondola support system.

BACKGROUND Field

Examples described herein relate generally to lifting and moving systemsfor gondolas, storage racks, and the like. The lifting and movingsystems allow for lifting and/or relocating the gondolas and storageracks while loaded or stocked.

Description of the Related Art

Display structures and storage racks, also known as gondolas, are usedfor both storage solutions, such as in a warehouse setting, and fordisplaying merchandise, such as in a consumer setting. Gondolas, as usedherein, include any rack or shelving structure having shelves supportedby vertical members extending from horizontal supports at a base.Gondolas, for example, may include pallet racks, storage racks, displayracks, and the like.

Gondolas are positioned on a support surface, or floor, where a pathway,or aisle, may be provided between gondolas. On occasion, it is necessaryto move, lift, and/or relocate one or more gondolas. Such an occasionmay be necessary to perform activities such as maintenance, cleaning,reorganizing, repurposing, or the like.

Many obstacles are encountered when moving a gondola. Such obstaclesinclude handling stocked gondolas within limited space and with limitedresources. By example, disassembly of a gondola and/or unstocking orrelocating the materials from a gondola, such as merchandise, requires asignificant expenditure of resources and time.

To address the aforementioned obstacles, a number of different gondolamoving systems have been developed. For example, systems have beendeveloped which cradle the horizontal support members of a gondola.Lifting and moving mechanisms are further attached to these cradlingstructures for lifting and moving the gondola. An example of such asystem is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,296 to Cozza, et. al. Othersystems have been developed to integrate with or directly connect to thegondola for lifting or moving a gondola. An example of such a system isdisclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,186 to Jensen, et. al. These priorsystems, however, present additional obstacles. By example, these priorsystems not only require clearing and/or disassembly of several gondolashelves they also require assembly and disassembly of the gondola movingsystem in order to either cradle the horizontal support members and/orto integrate with or connect to the gondola. Further, the prior systemsfail to support the entire base of the gondola and thereby creating anunstable load with the potential of twisting and/or binding the gondola.In particular, prior systems suspend the mid-point of a gondola duringlifting and moving. Moreover, these systems require the liftingmechanism remains attached as a component of the support structure,thereby, requiring numerous lifting mechanisms.

Accordingly, a need remains to provide a gondola moving system forlifting and moving of a gondola while stocked. Further, a need alsoremains to increase the safety and efficiency of a gondola movingsystem.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are gondola moving systems and devices which aremodular. Also disclosed are methods for assembly and use of the gondolamoving systems and devices.

An exemplary system for moving gondolas includes a first skate system.The first skate system comprises a first skate, a second skate, and athird skate. Each skate engages a ground surface and is connected in alateral arrangement along a length of a longitudinal member. Each of thefirst skate, the second skate, and the third skate extends across awidth of the longitudinal member. The first skate, the second skate, andthe third skate each comprises at least four casters which engage theground surface. A first pair of the four casters is positioned to afirst side of the longitudinal member and a second pair of the fourcasters is positioned to a second side of the longitudinal member. Thelongitudinal member is additionally positioned on a bearing surface ofeach of the first skate, the second skate, and the third skate.

Each skate of the first skate system may additionally comprise at leastone pull ring receiver. The pull ring receiver is for receiving aremovable pull ring wherein the pull ring receiver extends from a bodyof the skate in the direction extending the length of the member. Thepull ring receiver may be further positioned entirely below thelongitudinal member. One example of a means for the pull ring receiverto receive the removable pull ring is the pull ring may be connected tothe pull ring receiver by way of a compression fitting. The removablepull ring may rotate in a respective pull ring receiver when secured tothe pull ring receiver. In some examples a receiver end of the pull ringrotates to opposing sides of a width of the longitudinal member andthereby is clear of a cross-section of the longitudinal member when atthe opposing sides. When the pull ring is in use and the skate system ispulled by the pull ring, each of the at least four casters of the firstskate, the second skate, and the third skate maintain a direction oftravel in the same direction as the direction of travel of the pullring. Other examples of a means for the pull ring receiver to receivethe removable pull ring include a bolted connection, a matingconnection, a hitch, or the like.

In some examples, a second skate system is provided, same as the first.The second skate system may be used in combination with the first skatesystem to move the gondola. To move a gondola, the gondola is placedupon the first skate system and the second skate system such that feetof the gondola are bearing on one of the at least first skate, secondskate, and/or third skate of each of the first skate system and thesecond skate system. The first skate system and the second skate systemmay be parallel to one another. The first skate system and the secondskate system may be connected to one another by way of a one or moreconnector bars.

One or more lifting devices may be relied on to place the gondola on thefirst skate system and/or the second skate system. The lifting devicecomprises a lifting mechanism supported on two opposing bases. Thelifting mechanism comprises a lift face centrally positioned between thetwo opposing bases. The two opposing bases comprise a suspension system.The two opposing bases may additionally comprise at least twomulti-directional wheels extending from the suspension system. Thesuspension system lowers the elevation of each opposing base as a loadis applied to the lifting mechanism. More specifically, the suspensionsystem lowers each opposing base to a ground surface as the liftingmechanism raises. A yoke may be further attached to the lift face of thelifting mechanism. The yoke may be attached by way of a dovetailstructure where the yoke moves vertically along a length of the dovetailstructure. The yoke may be removably connected to the dovetail structureof the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may move the lift faceand/or the yoke by way of a ram extending from a hydraulic assemblywherein the hydraulic assembly is secured to a handle of the liftingdevice. In some examples, the lifting mechanism moves the yoke in avertical direction only. The lifting mechanism elevates the lifting facewithin and/or to above a void formed between the two opposing bases.

When in use the two opposing bases are positioned to opposing sides of afoot of a gondola. The lifting mechanism, by way of the yoke, is engagedwith the gondola for lifting the gondola. The lifting mechanism raisesthe gondola and allows a skate system to be inserted through the void toan underside of an elevated gondola. The lifting mechanism may thenlower the gondola onto the skate system. The lifting device is thenseparated from the gondola and the gondola may be positioned upon theskate system(s).

An exemplary method for moving gondolas comprises the following steps:

-   -   assembling a first skate system comprising at least two skates        connected along a length of a longitudinal member;    -   attaching a lifting mechanism to a frame of the shelving unit        using a lifting device, the lifting system comprising the        lifting mechanism;    -   applying a load of the shelving unit to the lifting mechanism by        raising the lifting mechanism;    -   raising the lifting mechanism and the shelving unit to above a        void formed through the lifting device;    -   inserting the first skate system in through the void to below        the shelving unit wherein the shelving unit comprises one or        more feet and one of the one more feet of the shelving unit is        positioned above each of the at least two skates of the first        skate system; and    -   lowering the shelving unit onto the first skate system wherein        one of the one or more feet is positioned and supported on a        bearing surface of each of the at least two skates by lowering        the lifting mechanism.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages will beapparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particularexamples, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein likereference numbers represent like parts of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particularexamples and further benefits of the examples are illustrated asdescribed in more detail in the descriptions below, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skate system, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a skate system, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a skate system, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a skate system, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 5 is an end view of a skate system, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a skate system, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a skate, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a skate, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a skate, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 10 is an end view of a skate, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 11 is an end view of a skate, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a skate, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a skate, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a longitudinal member, in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a longitudinal member, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a longitudinal member, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a longitudinal member, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 18 is an end view of a longitudinal member, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a lifting device, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a lifting device, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of a lifting device, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a lifting device, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 23 is an end view of a lifting device, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 24 is an end view of a lifting device, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a skate system aligned with liftingdevices, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 26 is a top view of a skate system aligned with lifting devices, inaccordance with an example.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of a skate system aligned with lifting devices,in accordance with an example.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a skate system aligned with lifting devices,in accordance with an example.

FIG. 29 is an end view of a skate system aligned with lifting devices,in accordance with an example.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a skate system, lifting devices, and apartial gondola structure, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 31 is a top view of a skate system, lifting devices, and a partialgondola structure, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of a skate system, lifting devices, and apartial gondola structure, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 33 is an end view of a skate system, lifting devices, and a partialgondola structure, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 34 is a side view of a skate system, lifting devices, and a partialgondola structure, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a gondola moving system, in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 36 is a top view of a gondola moving system, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of a gondola moving system, in accordance withan example.

FIG. 38 is an end view of a gondola moving system, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 39 is a side view of a gondola moving system, in accordance with anexample.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a gondola moving system and a gondola,in accordance with an example.

FIG. 41 is an end view of a gondola moving system and a gondola, inaccordance with an example.

FIG. 42 is a side view of a gondola moving system and a gondola, inaccordance with an example.

FIG. 43 is a detailed perspective view of a skate system, connectorbars, and a gondola, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 44 is a detailed top view of a skate system, connector bars, and agondola, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 45 is a detailed end view of a skate system, connector bars, and agondola, in accordance with an example.

FIG. 46 is a detailed side view of a skate system, connector bars, and agondola, in accordance with an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EXAMPLES

As will be illustrated in greater detail below, the modular gondolamoving system of the present disclosure sets out to provide a systemthat increases efficiency of mobilization and transport and is furthermodifiable. Each of the components of the present modular gondolasupport system are adjustable and interchangeable to provide a modularkit system that is compatible with gondolas of various sizes andconstruction. The present modular gondola moving system also sets out toprovide a more stable support platform for supporting a gondola and/oreven becoming a permanent component of the gondola for continued useover time. These advantages are accomplished by providing independentlysupported skates which are connected together. The system ofindependently supported skates provide a gondola moving system supportedon an increased number of wheels which may be strategically positionedat vertical point loads of a gondola. The wheels of the independentlysupported skates reduce the load at each skate and/or wheel and providean increased ability to change direction or initiate momentum. Thepresent modular gondola support system additionally provides a gondolasupport system which does not leave any vertical point loads of agondola suspended and supports the gondola on a system which transferseach of these vertical point loads directly to the support surface, orfloor. The present modular gondola moving system also provides for aconnector bar system that stabilizes the skate systems as well as thegondola.

Components of a modular gondola moving system include interchangeableskates. The interchangeable skates are further removably attached to alongitudinal member. When the skates are connected to the longitudinalmember they form a skate system. Multiple skate systems are positionedto the underside of a gondola and may additionally be connected togetherby connector bars for stabilization and to form the modular gondolamoving system. One or more lifting devices are provided independent of,and are used in combination with, each skate system for positioning thegondola on each skate system. The one or more lifting devices may berepeatedly used in order to place the gondola on a single modulargondola support system. Features of the above components are modifiablefor adjustment onsite by way of toolless construction. Means for atoolless connection or construction include gravity fed connections,finger tight fittings, cotter pin connections, set screw fittings, wingnuts, locking pins, leaf springs, or the like. The above components areadditionally interchangeable to accommodate onsite adjustment, repair,and/or replacement. Each of the features of the above components willnow be discussed in greater detail in view of the figures. Methods forassembly and use of the above components additionally follow.

Skate System

Turning to FIG. 1, a skate system 100 having a first skate 1000, asecond skate 2000, and a third skate 3000 is illustrated. Each skate1000, 2000, 3000 is connected to one another longitudinally by way of alongitudinal member 200. In this particular example, skate 1000 andskate 3000 may also be referred to as end skates as they are positionedat respective longitudinal ends 202, 204 of the longitudinal member 200.Skate 2000 may also be referred to as an intermediate skate as it ispositioned between the longitudinal ends 202, 204 of the longitudinalmember. Skates may be positioned at any point along a length L₂₀₀ of alongitudinal member 200. In one example, skates may be evenly positionedalong a length L₂₀₀ of a longitudinal member (the length L₂₀₀ asillustrated by FIGS. 2-3). In yet another example, skates may beunevenly positioned along a length L₂₀₀ of a longitudinal member 200(the length L₂₀₀ as illustrated by FIGS. 2-3). Skates may be positionedalong the length L₂₀₀ of a longitudinal member to be located at a pointload of the gondola and, in some examples, at each point load of thegondola (the length L₂₀₀ as illustrated by FIGS. 2-3). Also illustratedby FIG. 1 is a pull bar 1600 removably attached to a pull ring 1500 ofthe first skate 1000.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrates a top side and a bottom side view, respectively,of the skate system 100 of FIG. 1. The longitudinal member 200 of thisexample is a channel comprising a web 210 having a first flange 220 anda second flange 230 at each opposing end of the channel width W₂₀₀. Thelongitudinal member 200 further comprises a length L₂₀₀ extending in thelongitudinal direction. With particular reference to the first skate1000, the longitudinal member is positioned within a seat 1100 of theskate where the skate extends across the width W₂₀₀ of the longitudinalmember 200, supporting the longitudinal member 200 centrally on theskate 1000. As illustrated by FIG. 5 the seat 1100 is recessed withinthe skate 1000, thereby, providing a low profile and low center ofgravity. Seats are additionally provided on the second skate 2000 andthird skate 3000, respectively, with the first skate 1000 relied onherein as an exemplary example. As illustrated by FIG. 4 seat 3100 isadditionally recessed at third skate 3000. As illustrated by FIG. 5, therecessed seats 1100 are recessed between opposing casters 1010, 1020 ofthe first skate 1000 such that the longitudinal member 200 is recessedbetween the opposing casters 1010, 1020. In one example, a bottom sideof the longitudinal member is recessed below a top side of each caster.FIG. 4 illustrates the same with respect to opposing casters 3010, 3020of the third skate 3000.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a side view of the skate system 100 isillustrated. The first skate 1000, the second skate 2000, and the thirdskate 3000 are illustrated. The first skate 1000 is positioned to afirst longitudinal end 202 of the longitudinal member 200 and the thirdskate 3000 is positioned to a second longitudinal end 204 of thelongitudinal member 200. The second skate 2000 is positioned between thefirst skate 1000 and the third skate 3000 relative the length L₂₀₀ ofthe longitudinal member 200. In this example, the second skate 2000 ispositioned to the center of the length L₂₀₀ of the longitudinal member200. It is appreciated herein that fewer or more skates may be providedalong the length L₂₀₀ of the longitudinal member.

Skates

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary skate 1000. A skate 1000 comprises abearing surface 1110. The bearing surface is located on the seat 1100 ofthe skate 1000. The bearing surface provides a central support betweenat least two opposing casters 1010, 1020. As illustrated by the bottomview of the skate in FIG. 9 the bearing surface is between two pairs ofopposing casters 1010, 1020 and 1030, 1040. In other words, a first pairof at least four casters is positioned to a first side of thelongitudinal member and a second pair of the four casters is positionedto a second side of the longitudinal member, the second side oppositethe first side. By providing four casters, the skate 1000 isself-supportive on a support surface, or floor, and a vertical pointload of a gondola (as will be discussed in greater detail below) isisolated to the skate. This is in contrast to applying a vertical pointload of a gondola to a cantilevered member, such as a longitudinalmember alone. In some examples of the present disclosure thelongitudinal member is not relied on to carry a vertical point load orto provide support to a vertical point load. In other words, thelongitudinal member, as described above, does not support, or carry, thepoint load of a gondola when in use.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the seat 1100 of the skate 1000 is shaped toreceive the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member may be achannel, as discussed above, or may be any other configuration such as,for example, a flat plate, a tube, a truss structure, or the like. Inthe present example, wherein the longitudinal member is a channel, thechannel is positioned within the seat 1100 and is removably secured tothe skate 1000 between opposing casters. The channel may be insertedfrom a first end 1002 toward a second end 1004 of the skate 1000. Theskate of FIG. 7 further comprises one or more tabs 1120 for securing alongitudinal member within the seat 1100. The tabs one or more tabs arean example of a means for securing a longitudinal member within the seat1100. Other examples of such a means include a through-bolt connection,locking pin, adhesive, any other mechanical connection, or the like.With respect to the tabs, the one or more tabs may be over-molded ontothe chassis of the skate. In yet another example, the one or more tabsmay be an extension of the frame. Referring back to FIGS. 4-5, thelongitudinal member 200 is secured vertically within the seat 1100 byway of the one or more tabs 1120 positioned to a top side 206 of thelongitudinal member 200 where a bottom side 208 of the longitudinalmember 200 is positioned on the bearing surface 1110 of the seat 1100.In this particular example, the top side 206 of the longitudinal member200 is the outer most extent of the first flange 220 and the secondflange 230 of the channel. The channel is locked in its verticalposition by the one or more tabs 1120. Still, the channel, orlongitudinal member 200, may slide horizontally within the seat 1100 ofthe skate 1000 until the seat 1100 is properly positioned to receive apoint load of a gondola. As illustrated by the end views of the skate1000 of FIGS. 10-11, the tabs 1120 are positioned to opposing lateralsides of the seat 1100 to evenly secure the longitudinal member withinthe seat 1100.

The longitudinal member may additionally be secured within the seathorizontally once the skate 1000 is appropriately positioned along thelength L₂₀₀ of the longitudinal member 200, as illustrated by FIGS. 1-3and 6. As illustrated by FIGS. 8-9, a locking mechanism 1130 is providedat the seat 1100 of the skate 1000 as a means for securing thelongitudinal member horizontally within the respective skate. In thisparticular example, the locking mechanism is a leaf spring 1132 reliedon to drive a pin 1136 in through an aperture extending through thelongitudinal member. The leaf spring 1132 removably drives a channelrelease button 1134 into an aperture in the longitudinal member forsecuring the longitudinal member horizontally within the respectiveskate. The leaf spring 1132 is controlled by way of the channel releasebutton 1134. The channel release button 1134 may be positioned to thebottom side of the seat 1100 of the skate 1000 with the pin extendingthrough the seat 1100 of the skate and into a longitudinal member when alongitudinal member is positioned in the seat 1100. Upon pressing therelease button 1134, the leaf spring 1132 disengages the pin 1136 fromthe aperture in the longitudinal member, thereby, freeing thelongitudinal member in a horizontal direction relative the skate 1000.The leaf spring 1132 connection allows for ease in modifying and/orrepairing in service skates and for minimized service time by easilyremoving and/or replacing a skate on a longitudinal member. Otherexamples of means for securing the longitudinal member horizontallywithin the skate may include one or more tabs, a through-boltconnection, a locking pin, adhesive, or any other mechanical connection,or the like.

Still referring to FIGS. 8-9, the chassis 1200 of the skate 1000 extendsfrom the seat 1100 to caster frames 1400, 1500 for supporting thecasters 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040. The caster frames 1400, 1500 extendfrom each lateral side of the seat 1100. By way of the casters, thecaster frames 1400, 1500 support the seat 1100 and the bearing surface1110. In other words, the vertical point load of the gondola istransferred from the bearing surface 1110 of the seat 1100 to the casterframes 1400, 1500 and onto the support surface, or floor, by way of thecasters, 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040. The casters 1010, 1020, 1030, and1040 may additionally be swivel plate casters which not only rotate toimpart travel but additionally rotate relative to the skate to move in adirection normal to the direction of travel. Means for the casters tomaintain a direction of travel include such the aforementioned swivelplate caster, an omni-directional caster, a combination of axles and/orjoints, or the like. In the examples illustrated by FIGS. 8-9, thecasters are attached to the chassis 1200 of the skate 1000 by way of abolted connection. The casters may be attached to the chassis in anymanner as known by one of ordinary skill in the art such as, but notlimited to, rivets, welds, adhesive, or the like. In an alternativeexample, the casters may be one or more feet, plates, or the like forsupporting and/or moving the skate on the support surface. In yetanother example, the casters may be provided in combination with one ormore feet, plates, or the like in order to immobilize the skate on thesupport surface. To this end, the casters may additionally, oralternatively, include a brake.

In particular examples, the chassis 1200 of the skate 1000 isconstructed of formed metal. The formed metal may be plated with zincchromate for corrosion resistance, may be carbon steel, may be caststeel, the like, or any combination thereof. It is also appreciatedherein the chassis may additionally or alternatively be formed of apolymer or composite material including, but not limited to, carbonfiber, high density plastic, etc. The formed metal, or chassis, mayadditionally or alternatively be over-molded in plastic. The over-moldedexterior may be applied by way of injection molding. The over-moldedexterior may contiguously engage each surface of the metal frame therebyat least partially encasing the frame such that no adhesive is utilizedto adhere the over-molded exterior to the metal frame. The over-moldedplastic provides a protective coating which is aesthetically pleasing.The protective coating may be applied to provide a resilient texture forreducing damage to other components or an operator. To this end theprotective coating reduces any impact when contacting another componentor an operator in comparison to impacting metal, directly. In oneexample, the entire chassis is over-molded and encapsulated in theover-molded plastic. The metal is, thereby, encased in the over-moldedplastic and is framed to secure the metal frame within the over-moldedplastic. This is in contrast to adhering or mechanically fastening aplastic exterior to separate components of the formed metal frame. Inother words, in some examples the over-molded plastic is notindependently adhered to the chassis. One or more stand-off sections1220 of the chassis may still remain uncoated by the protective coating,or devoid of the protective coating. Stand-off sections 1220 aresections of the chassis 1200 of the skate 1000 which remain uncoated bythe protective coating. The stand-off sections create locations whichallow modification to or usage of the metal chassis 1200 for otherpurposes. By example, the stand-off sections 1220 provide an attachmentor support location for when the chassis undergoes the plasticover-molding process from which the chassis may be secured to and/orsuspended during the over-molding process. Further, the stand-offsections 1220 may be strategically positioned so the casters or labelsmay be secured directly to the formed metal frame after the plasticover-molding process has been completed. Still yet, stand-off sectionsmay be provided at components that may require continued maintenance,such as at caster bolts, pull ring receiver, and/or other connections,so these features may be easily removed, replaced, and or maintained. Asindicated above, these same stand-off sections may be the location ofattachment or support required for handling the chassis during theover-molding process. Additionally or alternatively, stand-off sectionsmay be created by masking the stand-off locations prior to theover-molding process. In one example, the stand-off sections areisolated to the surfaces of the chassis 1200 and do not encompass acorner, edge, and/or transition of the chassis 1200. In other words, allcorners, edges, and/or transitions of the chassis are coated by anover-molded plastic protective coating.

The metal frame forming the chassis may further comprise bracingstructures 1210 for adding support to the metal frame. Examples ofbracing structures are illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. The bracing structures1210 may be mechanically attached to the metal frame of the chassis1200. Additionally or alternatively the bracing structures 1210 may bewelded directly to the metal frame of the chassis 1200. Additionally oralternatively, multiple metal plates may be stacked to form the chassis1200. The entire chassis may be strengthened by being formed of multiplemetal plates. Additionally or alternatively, multiple metal plates maybe stacked at particular locations for providing increased strength.Moreover, the strength of the chassis may be adjusted or increased basedon the thickness of the material, the composition of the material, orany combination of these features or of the features described above. Inone example, the skate may be symmetrical relative to an axis extendingin the longitudinal direction of the seat of the skate. Accordingly, theskate may be symmetrical relative an axis of a longitudinal memberextending the length of a longitudinal member. Additionally oralternatively, the skate may be symmetrical relative to an axis that isperpendicular to an axis extending the longitudinal direction of theseat.

With particular reference to each of FIGS. 7-13, the skate 1000 furthercomprises one or more pull ring receivers 1230. In the exampleillustrated by FIGS. 8-9 and 12-13 two pull ring receivers 1230 areillustrated. The pull ring receivers 1230 are an extension of the metalframe of the chassis 1200 and are positioned, centrally, at the firstend 1002 and the second end 1004 of the skate 1000. The pull ringreceiver 1230 is in-line with and extends from the seat 1100 of theskate. A top side 1232 of the pull ring receiver 1230 is at or below thetop side, or bearing surface 1110, of the seat 1100. Accordingly, thepull ring receiver remains outside of the pathway formed by the seat1100 for receiving a longitudinal member and/or supporting the structureof a gondola, in the longitudinal direction of the skate system. Eachpull ring receiver 1230 is adapted to receive a pull ring 1500. The pullring 1500 may be removably connected to, or inserted into, the pull ringreceiver 1230. In one example, the pull ring 1500 is connected to thepull ring receiver 1230 by way of a compression fitting wherein thelevel of compression is adjustable by a set screw to control the degreeof movement between the pull ring 1500 and the pull ring receiver 1520.Accordingly, in the examples illustrated by FIGS. 8-13, the pull ring1500 additionally swivels, or rotates, within the pull ring receiver1230. The pull ring 1500 comprises a locking end 1510 for locking thepull ring 1500 into the pull ring receiver 1230. The pull ring 1500additionally comprises a receiving end 1520 for receiving a movingdevice.

With particular reference to the pull ring 1500 of FIGS. 8-13, the pullring 1500 swivels, or rotates, within the pull ring receiver 1230. Thisallows the receiving end 1520 of the pull ring 1500 to swivel into thesame direction of travel as the casters 1010, 1020, 1030, and/or 1040 aswell as the angle of the moving device. In other words, the pull ring1500 rotates to move the pull ring into a direction normal to the pulldirection. The direction of swivel, or rotation, may be limited to alateral direction of travel. The ability to swivel the pull ring withina pull ring receiver 1230 also provides an operator the ability tomaneuver the pull ring, that may otherwise be centrally positioned on askate, away from the longitudinal pathway formed by the seat 1100 forreceiving a longitudinal member and/or the supporting the structure of agondola. Thus, by rotating the receiving end 1520 of the pull ring 1500from the pathway, formed by the seat 1100, the pull ring 1500 does notimpede insertion of the longitudinal member or addition of the gondola.In other words, a receiver end 1520 of the pull ring 1500 rotates toopposing sides of the width of the longitudinal member. The receiver end1520 is clear of a cross-section of the longitudinal member when at theopposing sides of the width of the longitudinal member. Alternatively,it would otherwise be necessary to remove the pull ring 1500 entirelyfrom the pull ring receiver 1230. Additionally, by maintaining the pullring at or below the seat of the skate a secure connection for movingthe gondola moving system is maintained at a lower center of gravity,additionally reducing the risk for tipping or tilting the gondola.

The pull ring 1500 may be connected to the pull ring receiver 1230 byway of a compression fitting. Such a compression fitting may be by wayof a bolted connection where the degree of compression controls themovement of and/or locks the pull ring within the pull ring receiver.Thereby, the degree of swivel, or rotation, of the pull ring 1500 may beadjusted or secured by tightening or loosening the bolted connection.This may be accomplished by way of a set screw. Other connections asknown in the art are also contemplated herein. Additionally, othercompression fittings as known in the art are also contemplated herein.Other means to rotate a pull ring within a pull ring receiver mayinclude a hinge assembly, a ball joint, a pin and aperture, an axle, orthe like. Additionally or alternatively, the degree of movement of thepull ring within the pull ring receiver may also be controlled othermeans including a hinge assembly, a ball joint, a pin and aperture, anaxle, or the like.

As illustrated by FIGS. 7-11 the skate 1000 may further comprise one ormore anchor assemblies 1240. The anchor assemblies may provide tie downlocations for receiving additional components of the skate system 100and/or for further stabilizing a gondola. In one specific example, whichwill be discussed in greater detail below in view of FIGS. 35-44, eachanchor assembly 1240 is provided to receive a connector bar 4000 forconnecting multiple skate systems 100 together to form the gondolamoving system 10. In FIGS. 7-11, the anchor assemblies 1240 extend fromboth a first end 1002 and a second end 1004 of a respective caster frame1300, 1400. The anchor assemblies may be formed in the chassis 1200 and,more specifically, may be formed in the metal frame of the chassis 1200.Each anchor assembly may receive the over-molded protective coatingsjust as the chassis 1200 receives the over-molded protective coating. Inthe examples illustrated here, each anchor assembly 1240 comprises areceiving aperture 1250 for receiving the connector bar. It iscontemplated herein that the anchor assemblies 1240 may comprisealternative connecting means as understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

Moving Device

An example of a moving device 1600 is illustrated by FIGS. 1-6. Here themoving device 1600 is an arm having a first end comprising an attachmentmechanism 1610 for securing to the moving device to the pull ring 1500.In the present example, the attachment mechanism 1610 is a hook which isinserted into an aperture 1525 of the receiving end 1520 of the pullring 1500 and is, thereby, secured to the pull ring 1500 when a force isapplied to the moving device 1600 to move the skate system 100. A secondend of the moving device 1600 comprises one or more handles for anoperator to operate and control the moving device 1600 and, thereby, theskate system 100. The moving device 1600 may be further adjustable. Byexample, the moving device 1600 may comprise an adjuster 1630 whichallows the length L1600 of the moving device to be adjusted. Theadjuster 1630 may further assist with adjusting the length L1600 of themoving device based upon the height of the operator, to accommodate anyadditional devices being relied on by an operator (e.g. a mechanizedmoving device), and/or to adjust the angle of attack for providingleverage to the operator for moving the skate system 1600.

Longitudinal Members

Turning now to FIGS. 14-18, a longitudinal member 200 is illustrated. InFIGS. 14-17, the longitudinal member 200 comprises a first longitudinalend 202, a second longitudinal end 204, a top side 206, and a bottomside 208. The longitudinal member 200 is removeably connected to eachskate and is separable from each skate. In the examples of FIGS. 14-18,the longitudinal member is a channel. The channel further comprises oneor more locking apertures 140 for receiving the locking mechanism ofeach skate. In lieu of locking apertures, other receiving means,including, but not limited to, recesses, pins, cavities, or the like maybe provided for receiving the locking mechanism of the each skate. Thechannel of FIGS. 14-18 further comprise a web 210, a first flange 220,and a second flange 230. As discussed above, the longitudinal member ispositioned within the seat of a skate and further connect multipleskates to form a skate system. In some examples, multiple longitudinalmembers may be provided through each skate. Some examples mayadditionally or alternatively have multiple longitudinal members whereeach longitudinal member connects only two respective skates in a daisychain configuration. The longitudinal member provides longitudinalsupport for aligning each skate into a single skate system. In someexamples the longitudinal member is non-load bearing and lightweight. Inother words, the longitudinal member does not comprise a bearing surfacefor receiving a gondola. Instead, the longitudinal member is supportedby the bearing surface of each skate and may simply be positionedbetween the bearing surface of the skate and the gondola. In otherwords, the longitudinal member does not support a vertical load.Thereby, the longitudinal member may be constructed of light-gaugematerial. In some examples, the longitudinal member is relied on tostabilize the skates in their respective positions and/or to stabilizethe skates from tipping when a load is applied to each respective skate.

Lifting Device

Turning now to FIGS. 19-24, a lifting device 6000 is illustrated. Thelifting device 6000 of the present disclosure comprises a handleassembly 6100, a lifting assembly 6200, and a base assembly 6300. Thehandle assembly 6100 extends from the base assembly 6300 and isadjustable relative the base assembly 6300. In particular, the lengthL₆₁₀₀ of the handle assembly 6100 is adjustable and the angle θ₆₁₀₀ ofthe handle assembly 6100, as illustrated by FIG. 22, is additionallyadjustable relative the base assembly 6300. In the example illustratedby FIGS. 19-24, the handle assembly 6100 comprises a plurality of postmembers 6110 extending the length L₆₁₀₀ with bracing members 6120securing the post members 6110 structurally in a parallel arrangement.It is contemplated that a single post member may also be relied on forthe handle assembly. The handle assembly 6100 is pivotably attached tothe base assembly 6300. As illustrated by FIG. 20, the handle assembly6100 may be pivotably attached to the base assembly 6300 by way a hingeassembly 6130. Other pivoting assemblies and/or even a fixed assembly,as known in the art, are contemplated herein. In one example, the handleassembly 6100 may be fully collapsible (e.g. lowered) into a parallelorientation with the support surface, or floor. This facilitatestransport of the handle assembly 6100 within a shipping containerwithout increasing the height of the shipping container or compartment.Additionally or alternatively, the handle assembly may be removable fromthe base assembly 6300.

The lifting assembly 6200 also extends from the base assembly 6300. Asillustrated by FIGS. 19-24, the lifting assembly comprises a yoke 6250removeably attached to a lift face 6260 where the lift face 6260 isoperably attached to the base assembly 6300. In these examples, theinterface between the yoke 6250 and the lift face 6260 is a dovetailconnection 6252 wherein the yoke 6250 is secured to the lift face 6260by sliding the dovetail arrangement of the yoke 6250 in a matingrelationship down the opposing dovetail arrangement of the lift face6260 from above. The dovetail arrangement of the yoke and the lift facemay be provided to limit the movement of the yoke to a verticaldirection only. Means for moving the yoke vertically along the length ofthe dovetail structure may include the interlocking engagement betweenthe dovetail faces between the lift face and the yoke, a bracingstructure limiting any non-vertical movement, an encased cylinderlimiting any non-vertical movement, or the like. Additionally oralternatively, the means for moving the yoke vertically may beaccomplished independent of the dovetail structure, such as, by examplea bracing structuring limiting any non-vertical movement, an encasedcylinder limiting any non-vertical movement, or the like. The yoke 6250becomes seated onto the lift face 6260 upon being lowered onto a bottomplate 6262 of the lift face 6260. The bottom plate 6262 is additionallyadjustable by providing inserts between the bottom plate 6262 and thebottom of the yoke 6250 to change the elevation of the bottom plate 6262relative the lift face 6260 and, thereby, changing the elevation of theyoke 6250. By adjusting the elevation of the yoke 6250, a matingarrangement between the yoke assembly and a gondola, and morespecifically to account for leveling feet of a gondola, is provided, aswill be addressed in greater detail below. Additionally, a removableyoke is provided to facilitate a variety of interchangeable yokeconfigurations. This allows for a lift assembly to be used and adaptedacross multiple types of gondolas and/or in combination with varioustypes of leveling feet.

In the examples of FIGS. 19-24, the lift face 6260 is operably attachedto the base assembly 6300 such that the lift face 6260 moves in avertical direction, relative the base assembly 6300. The verticalmovement of the lift face 6260 is operated by a lifting mechanism 6270.In the present examples, the lifting mechanism 6270 is secured to thehandle assembly 6100 and is a hydraulic assembly for operating ahydraulic ram 6272 which moves the lift face 6260, relative the baseassembly 6300. By having the hydraulic ram 6272 interface and/or fixedbetween the lift face 6260 and the base assembly 6300 any non-axial loadon the hydraulic ram 6272 is eliminated in comparison to positioning thehydraulic ram directly between the lifting device and the gondola. Thisreduces the possibility for failure of the hydraulic ram due to forcesresulting from non-axial loads. Non-axial loads may additionally oralternatively be eliminated in examples where the lift mechanism raisesthe lift face in a vertical direction only. Such a non-axial load may beeliminated or prevented by way of the dovetail structure and/or thecorresponding means previously described. In one specific example, thehydraulic assembly is rated to lift 10,000 pounds. The lifting mechanism6270 is additionally secured to and between two post members 6110 of thehandle assembly 6100. The hydraulic connections and/or the controlmechanisms between the lifting mechanism 6270 and the hydraulic ram atthe lift face 6260 may be concealed within one or more post members6110. Alternatively, the hydraulic connections and/or the controlmechanisms may be directly connected to the lift face 6260. The liftingmechanism 6270 operates the hydraulic ram 6272 positioned between thelift face 6260 and the base assembly 6300 thereby raising and loweringthe lift face 6260 relative the base assembly. In the examples of FIGS.19-24, the lift face operates the yoke for raising and lowering asupport of a gondola. In specific examples, the lifting mechanism 6270moves the lift face 6260 in a vertical direction only.

In some examples, the lift mechanism 6270 is configured to move the liftface 6260 at set distances and to additionally lock-out or secure thelift face in each respective position, regardless of whether the liftmechanism 6270 is being operated or the hydraulic ram remains inoperation. In particular, the controller of the lift mechanism 6270,such as a lever pump of a hydraulic system, may move a set distance(e.g. per singular lever pump). This is referred to herein asrepeatability. Other examples may include mechanical progression presetsby way of the lift mechanism. Moreover, to lock-out or secure the liftface in position, the lift mechanism may maintain the hydraulic ram incompression to maintain its position. Additionally or alternatively,other mechanical lock-out mechanisms may be relied upon to secure, orlock-out, the lift face in each respective position as the liftmechanism moves the lift face. An example of a lock-out mechanism may bea ratchet assembly which may be used independently of or in combinationwith a hydraulic system. Additional mechanisms relied on to lock-out theposition of a lift mechanism are contemplated herein. By moving the liftface a set distance and/or providing lock-out capabilities, one liftmechanism, or lifting device, may be calibrated with and used in unisonwith additional lift mechanisms, or lifting devices. This is referred toherein as consistency. This will allow a loaded gondola to be liftedfrom multiple locations in consistent fashion. In other words, multiplelifting devices may be used in unison, or in parallel, and is referredto herein as parallelism. Additionally, this may allow for a singleoperator to operate multiple lift mechanisms, or lifting devices withoutremaining at the controls of each mechanism or device.

Turning now to the base assembly 6300 of the lifting device 6000 ofFIGS. 19-24, the base assembly 6300 supports the handle assembly 6100and the lift assembly 6200 of the lifting device 6000. The base assembly6300 comprises two opposing bases that are a first base 6310 and asecond base 6320 where the lift face 6260 is positioned there between.In the example of FIGS. 19-24, the first base 6310 and the second base6320 are horizontal arms that are further parallel with one another.Each base 6310, 6320 comprise at least two base wheels 6350. In someexamples, the base wheels 6350 are each multi-directional wheels.Examples of multi-directional wheels include omni-directional wheels asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,248,698, issued on Feb. 2, 2016 and U.S.Pat. No. 9,327,954, issued on May 3, 2016, both of which are hereinincorporated by reference. The omni-directional wheels provide for thelifting device to glide across the floor in any direction without havingto reset the direction of lifting device. More generally,multi-directional wheels are wheels with the ability to change directionand/or travel in multiple directions.

The first base 6310 and the second base 6320 are connected to oneanother by a cross member 6330. The cross member 6330 is elevated abovethe ground surface to form a void 6335 between the first base 6310 andthe second base 6320. The void 6335 is additionally below the crossmember 6330. The lift face 6260 forms a part of, or is attached to, thecross member 6330. In the examples of FIGS. 19-24, the lift face 6260,and thereby the yoke 6250, is centrally positioned on the cross member6330, between the first base 6310 and the second base 6320 and loweredinto and raised from within the void 6335. The hydraulic ram 6272 mayadditionally be secured to the cross member 6330 of the base assembly6300. In the illustrated examples, the hydraulic ram 6272 is secured toa base assembly top side 6332 which is opposite a base assembly bottomside 6334 framing the void 6335. The handle assembly 6100 isadditionally attached to the top side 6332 of the cross member 6330 ofthe example of FIGS. 19-24. Each of the first base 6310 and the secondbase 6320 may also be extendable their respective lengths L₆₃₁₀, L₆₃₂₀.Each first base 6310 and the second base 6320 may extend from eachrespective end 6312, 6314 and 6322, 6324 and may, therefore, adjust thelongitudinal dimensions LONG₆₃₃₅ of the void 6335. Further, the crossmember 6330 may additionally extend such that each of the first base6310 and the second base 6320 may extend from opposing ends 6336, 6338of the cross member 6330 and may, therefore, adjust the lateraldimensions LAT₆₃₃₅ of the void 6335.

The first base 6310 and the second base 6320 also comprise a suspensionsystem 6360. The suspension system 6360 operates such that when a load,or weight, is applied to the base assembly 6300, the base assembly 6300lowers to rest on the support surface, or floor. Upon resting on thefloor, the lifting device 6000 becomes immobilized while the load, orweight, is applied. The load, or weight is applied by positioning theyoke 6250 on a component that requires lifting. As used herein, agondola will be relied on, generally, to refer to a component thatrequires lifting. It is, however, appreciated that the lifting mechanismmay be used for other components requiring lifting. In one example, theyoke 6250 is configured to engage and receive a base plate of a gondola.The yoke 6250 is then raised by way of the lift face 6260 and the liftassembly 6200. As the yoke 6250 is raised the load, or weight, begins tobear on the yoke 6250 and is applied to the lifting device 6000 throughthe yoke 6250. The load, or weight, overcomes the resistive force of thesuspension system 6360 until the suspension system lowers the baseassembly 6300 until the first base 6310 and the second base 6320 of thebase assembly 6300 are resting on the support surface, or floor. Thefirst base 6310 and the second base 6320 may further comprise acomposite material, such as rubber, to the underside to prevent damageto the support surface, or floor, when fully resting on the floor andsupporting the weight of the gondola. Once the base assembly 6300 isresting on the floor, the lift assembly 6200 may continue to raise thegondola, by way of the yoke 6250 and the lift face 6260 until thegondola has been raised to the desired elevation, as will be discussedin greater detail below. The gondola may be lowered in opposite fashionwherein the lift assembly 6200 lowers the gondola to the ground upon anduntil the load, or weight, of the gondola is again resting on thesupport surface, or floor, and/or on a skate system. As the liftassembly 6200 lowers the gondola to the floor or skate system, theresistive forces of the suspension system raise the first base 6310 andthe second base 6320 from the support surface, or floor up and until thelifting device 6000 once again becomes operable on the base wheels 6350and is again maneuverable on the support surface, or floor. The liftingdevice 6000 may, thereafter, be removed from the gondola.

One example of a means for a suspension system 6360 to lower a baseassembly 6300 as a load is applied includes base wheel axles which arepivotably connected to the respective ends of each of the first base6310 and the second base 6320. The base wheel axles extend from each ofthe respective ends and pivot on each of the first base 6310 and thesecond base 6320. A spring-loaded mechanism may be provided at eachpivot device such that each spring-loaded mechanism resists the weightof the lifting device, collectively, and thereby does not pivot underthe weight of the lifting device, but begins to pivot upon the additionof weight, above and beyond the weight of the lifting device, such asunder the weight of a gondola. Once the additional weight is removedfrom the lifting device the spring mechanism then pivots again, in theopposite direction, to raise the first base 6310 and the second base6320 from the support surface, or floor. The resistance of the springmechanism may be adjustable in order to compensate for varying weightsof different gondolas. Other means for a suspension system to lower thebase assembly 6300 are additionally contemplated herein. Examples mayinclude, but are not limited to, in-line springs, coil springs,hydraulic springs, shock absorbers, one or more linkages, slip fittings,or any combination thereof.

The void 6335 is provided at the base assembly 6300 of the liftingdevice 6000 in order to approach and straddle the gondola, or a supportof the gondola. More specifically, the first base 6310 and the secondbase 6320 extend beyond the load point, to the underside of a gondola,and assist with keeping the load stable. By example, the lifting device6000 may be operated upon the base wheels to where a support member of agondola is inserted into the void 6335 between the first base 6310 andthe second base 6320. The support member of the gondola may also bepositioned within the void 6335 such that it is below the cross member6330 of the lifting device 6000 in order to engage the yoke 6250 and besupported and/or raised by the yoke 6250 by way of the lift device 6000.As a result of the ability to straddle the gondola, that is positioningthe gondola (or a portion thereof) between the first base 6310 and thesecond base 6320, all the weight of the gondola is distributed acrossthe lifting device in a balanced fashion. This eliminates the risk ofbecoming dislodged from the lifting device or creating an unbalancedload. Further, this allows for the lifting device to lock-out or securethe lift face during operation and maintain the gondola suspended duringoperation. This is in contrast to a lever or pry system which mayotherwise spring in the opposing direction under the load of the gondolaupon release of the lever or pry system. The danger of a lever or prysystem is only amplified by having the fulcrum of the lever or prysystem so low to the ground, such as is required to raise a gondola fromits base. Moreover, an operator must always maintain control of thelever or pry system otherwise the gondola would be dropped, riskingdamage and injury to the operator, gondola, and/or product on thegondola.

Lifting Device+Skate System

Turning now to FIGS. 25-29, a lifting device 6000 is used in combinationwith a skate system 100. In the example of FIGS. 25-29, two liftingdevices 6000 are illustrated to opposing ends of a skate system 100. Theskate system comprises a first skate 1000, a second skate 2000, and athird skate 3000. A longitudinal member 200 connects the first skate1000 and the second skate 2000 with the third skate 3000 there between.The first skate 1000, the second skate 2000, and the third skate 3000are evenly spaced the length of the longitudinal member L₂₀₀ with thefirst skate 1000 at the first longitudinal end 202 of the longitudinalmember 200 and the second skate 1000 at the second longitudinal end 204of the longitudinal member 200 (longitudinal ends 202, 204 asillustrated in FIGS. 1-3). The lifting devices 6000 are positioned ateach end of the skate system 100 but are independent of the skate system100. In particular, as illustrated by the end view of FIG. 29, the skatesystem 100 is inserted through the void 6335 of the lifting device.Using the first skate as an exemplary example (where the first skate1000 is being relied on as an exemplary example of each the first skate1000, the second skate 2000, and the third skate 3000), the low profilearrangement of the bearing surface 1110 of the first skate 1000 allowsthe yoke and lift face 6260 of the lifting device 6000 to pass throughthe first skate 1000 and the longitudinal member 200 without impedingthe advancement of the skate system 100. The lifting devices 6000 arerelied on to lift a gondola so the skate system 100 may be inserted inthrough the void 6335 of a lifting device 6000, when the lifting devicehas elevated the gondola from a support surface, or floor. The liftingdevice may then lower the gondola to where the gondola is supported uponthe bearing surface 1110 of the skate 1000. The vertical point loads ofthe gondola may be supported upon the bearing surface 1110 of each skate1000 (where the first skate 1000 is being relied on as an exemplaryexample of each the first skate 1000, the second skate 2000, and thethird skate 3000) by being placed on the longitudinal member which ispositioned upon and additionally supported by the bearing surface 1110.

The lifting device 6000, as well as each skate 1000, 2000, and 3000 ofthe skate system 100, may be constructed such that they compriseobliquely angled and/or radiused corners and/or edges. In particular,the lifting device 6000 may comprise obliquely angled and/or radiusedcorners and/or edges so to guide the skate system 100 in through thevoid 6335. Likewise, the perimeter of each skate 1000, 2000, and 3000may additionally comprise obliquely angled and/or radiused cornersand/or edges to additionally guide the skate system 100 in through thevoid 6335. The obliquely angled and/or radiused corners and/or edgesallow each system to adjust and pass by the adjacent component (e.g.each skate 1000, 2000, and 3000 in through the void 6335) withoutbecoming hung up on the gondola, other components and/or any otherobstacles. Additionally, the obliquely angled and/or radiused cornersand/or edges may guide each system past the adjacent component or suchobstacles.

Further, the lifting device 6000 may further comprise an alignmentsystem. The alignment system engages a skate 1000 and directs the skateinto proper approach for entering the void. An example of an alignmentsystem includes one or more walls which funnel the skate 1000 into thevoid 6335 of the lifting device 6000. In other examples, the alignmentsystem may be a part of the skate 1000 in addition to or as analternative to an alignment system of the lifting device. In someexamples, an alignment system may be provided at the lifting device toassist with aligning a skate system in through the void of the liftingdevice. The alignment system of the lifting device may extend directlyfrom the yoke and guide skate system by way of the longitudinal member(e.g. such as along the inside of a channel, the perimeter of alongitudinal member, a guide structure (such as a groove) within thelongitudinal member, or the like). Additionally or alternatively, analignment system may extend from the skate system. This may assist withaligning the skate system once the skate system clears the liftingdevice and/or any alignment system of the lifting device relative thegondola and/or adjacent skate systems.

Turning now to FIGS. 30-34, the lifting devices 6000 and the skatesystem 100 of FIGS. 25-29 are further illustrated to include a sectionof a gondola 10000. In these examples, the gondola 10000 comprised ofbase brackets 10100, an upright 10200, and shelves 10300. Forillustrative purposes, the gondola 10000 is illustrated in a partialview. As illustrated by FIG. 30, the yoke 6250 of the lifting device6000 is inserted below the base bracket 10100 and mates with a levelingfoot 10400 extending from the base bracket 10100. The leveling foot10400 is positioned between first base 6310 and the second base 6320 ofthe base assembly 6300 when the yoke mates with the gondola. The yoke6250 may then be lifted by the lift face 6260 thereby raising thegondola 10000 at that respective location. The yoke 6250, the lift face6260 and the gondola 10000 are raised within the void 6335 and/or toabove the void 6335 so that the skate system 100 may pass through thevoid 6335. The yoke 6250 and/or the lift face 6260 of the lifting device6000 may move in a vertical direction only.

Still referring to FIGS. 30-34, a second lifting device 6000 is locatedat yet another base bracket 10100 with the yoke 6250 of the liftingdevice 6000 inserted below the base bracket 10100 and mating with yetanother leveling foot 10400 of the gondola 10000. The second liftingdevice 6000 may lift a respective yoke 6250 thereby raising the gondola10000 at a respective location. As described above, when multiplelifting devices 6000 are provided they may lift the gondola in unisonsuch that the gondola is lifted to achieve safety, repeatability,consistency, and parallelism with one another so not to upset thegondola and/or materials on the gondola. Once the lifting devices 6000raise the gondola, including the bottom of the yoke 6250, to a requisiteheight (e.g. to above the height of bearing surface 1110 and/or thelongitudinal member 200) the skate system 100 may then be inserted inthrough a void 6335 of the lifting device 6000 until it is under thebase brackets 10100 or feet of the gondola 10000. The lifting device6000 the lowers the gondola onto the skate system 100 such that thegondola is supported by the bearing surface 1110 of each skate 1000(with the first skate 1000 being representative of the structure for thesecond skate 2000 and the third skate 3000). As indicated above, theskate system 100 may be modifiable such that additional skates may beadded to or removed from the length of the longitudinal member toaccommodate additional base brackets 10100 or feet of the gondola 10000.In the example of FIGS. 30-34, a skate is positioned to each end of thebase bracket 10100 of the gondola as well as having a skate positionedat an intermediate upright 10200. In some examples, a skate will bepositioned at each foot of the gondola thereby providing consistentsupport to the gondola across the skate system in the same manner ashaving the gondola positioned directly upon the support surface, orfloor. Upon being placed upon the skate system the gondola is nowmobile.

Gondola Moving System

Turning now to FIGS. 35-39, multiple skate systems 100 are illustratedwhere the multiple skate systems 100 are connected to one another by wayof connector bars 4000 to form a gondola moving system 10. In theexample of FIGS. 35-39 four skate systems 100 are in parallelarrangement with one another with a connector bar 4000 extending betweenadjacent end skates of an adjacent skate system 100. A connector bar4000 additionally extends between the opposing end skates of each skatesystem 100. The connector bars 4000 are attached to each respectiveskate system 100 by way of the one or more anchor assemblies 1240. Adetailed view of the anchor assembly 1240 is illustrated in FIGS. 43-46.

As illustrated by FIGS. 43-46, the anchor assembly 1240 comprises areceiving aperture 1250 formed in or extending from the metal frame ofthe chassis 1200 of a skate 1000. The connector bar 4000 may comprise aninsert hook 4100 for dropping into the receiving aperture 1250 by way ofgravity. In other words, the insert hook 4100 may be inserted into therespective receiving aperture 1250 from above the respective skate usinga toolless connection. The insert hook 4100 may be offset from an axiallength of the connector bar 4000. In one example, a first insert hook4100 of a connector bar may be inserted into a receiving aperture 1250of one skate of a first skate system and a second insert hook 4100 mayof the connector bar may be inserted into a receiving aperture of oneskate of a second skate system. Although an insert hook 4100 and areceiving aperture 1250 are illustrated in the present example,additional mechanical means known in the art for forming a connectionbetween the connector bar and the skate system are contemplated herein.

The length L4000 of the connector bars may be adjustable. Thereby, thedistance between skate systems 100 are adjusted by adjusting the lengthL4000 of the connector bars. The connector bars may be adjustable toaccommodate a variety of gondola systems. Moreover, the connector barsmay be adjustable in the field to reduce the amount of coordinationrequired prior to delivery to the jobsite and/or shipping. Some nominaldimensions of a connector bar may include connector bars of 30 inches, 3feet, and/or 5 feet in length.

In the examples of FIGS. 35-39 the receiving aperture 1250 extends froman end of a skate 1000 of the skate system 100. By extending thereceiving aperture 1250 from an end of the skate 1000 it mayadditionally extend beyond the perimeter of the gondola, thereby,allowing insertion of the insert hook 4100 into the receiving aperture1250 without additionally engaging the gondola when the gondola is inplace. In some examples, the skate systems 100 may be connected to oneanother by the connector bars 4000 prior to being inserted to theunderside of a gondola. To this end, the connector bars 4000 extendbetween adjacent skate systems 100 without crossing a longitudinalmember 200 and/or a bearing surface 1110 and thereby allowing thegondola access onto the longitudinal member 200 and/or the bearingsurface 1110. The connector bar 4000 may additionally be perpendicularto the length of the longitudinal member 200. This is best illustratedby FIGS. 43-45. Once secured together by way of the connector bars 4000,multiple skate systems may be moved in unison without twisting, racking,or contorting the gondola moving system 10 and/or the gondola supportedon the gondola moving system 10.

Turning now to FIGS. 40-42, a gondola moving system 10 comprisingmultiple skate systems 100 having a first skate 1000, a second skate2000, and a third skate 3000 are illustrated. The gondola 10000comprises base brackets 10100, uprights 10200, and shelves 10300. Feet10400 further extend from the base brackets 10100. The feet 10400 of thegondola 10000 are each supported on a bearing surface 1110 of each of afirst skate 1000, a second skate 2000, and a third skate 3000 (where thefirst skate 1000 is relied on as an exemplary example for a bearingsurface 1110). Adjacent skate systems 100 are connected at adjacent endsby way of connector bars 4000 to form the gondola moving system 10. Inthis example, the entire gondola 10000 is positioned upon the gondolamoving system 10 and additionally mobile upon the gondola moving system10. A moving device 1600 may be further attached to an end skate by wayof the pull ring providing for movement of the entire gondola movingsystem 10 and the gondola 10000 supported upon the gondola moving system10. During movement, the connector bars 4000 maintain each skate system100 in alignment.

Methods of Use and Assembly

A method for moving shelving units, or gondolas, is also disclosedherein. In a method for moving a gondola a first skate system isassembled. The first skate system comprises at least two skatesconnected along a length of a longitudinal member. The first skatesystem is assembled by inserting the longitudinal member through each ofthe at least two skates such that the longitudinal member is supportedupon a bearing surface of a seat of each skate of the at least twoskates. The longitudinal member is secured vertically within each skateof the at least two skates by one or more tabs formed to a top side ofthe skate. The longitudinal member is thereby secured within each skatebetween the one or more tabs and the seat of each skate.

Each skate of the at least two skates is then adjusted longitudinallyalong the length of the longitudinal member. A first skate may bepositioned to a first longitudinal end of the longitudinal member whilea second skate may be positioned to a second longitudinal end of thelongitudinal member. Additionally skates may be provided and positionedbetween the first skate and the second skate along the length of thelongitudinal member. Each skate may be evenly spaced along thelongitudinal member. Each skate may additionally be positioned on thelongitudinal member to receive a foot or structural member of thegondola. To secure each skate along the longitudinal member a lockingmechanism may be provided at the seat of the skate to secure the skateto the longitudinal member. Examples of a locking mechanism aredescribed above.

Once the first skate system is assembled, a lifting mechanism of alifting device is positioned relative to a gondola and engages orattaches to a frame of the gondola. The lifting mechanism raises a liftface such that the load of the gondola is applied to lifting device. Thelift face may further comprise a removable yoke wherein the yoke may beattached to the lift face by way of a dovetail structure. The yokeprovides adaptability for various gondola configurations or feet andallows the lifting device to be interchangeably used across multiplegondola systems. The yoke may also be adjusted relative the lift face.For example, spacers may be provided to an underside of a yoke in orderto adjust the elevation of the yoke upon the lifting device.

The lifting device may further comprise two opposing base structureswhere the lift face of the lift mechanism is centrally positionedbetween the two opposing base structures in a void there between. By wayof the load of the gondola, as applied to the lifting device, asuspension system at each of the two opposing bases lowers the twoopposing base structures to the ground, or floor. One example of asuspension system is spring-loaded axles at each wheel of the opposingbase structures. Other examples of suspension systems are described ingreater detail above. The lifting mechanism raises the lift face as wellas the gondola within or to above the void formed between the twoopposing base structures.

Once the lifting mechanism raises the lift face, as well as the gondola,within or to above the void, the first skate system is inserted inthrough the void, passing through the lifting device, and to below thegondola. The position of each skate of the first skate system ismaintained by way of being connected to one another along thelongitudinal member. Each skate of the at least two skates of the skatesystem are positioned to an underside of a respective foot of thegondola. The gondola is then lowered onto the first skate system whereinthe one or more feet of the gondola are positioned and supported on abearing surface of each of the at least two skates. The gondola islowered by lowering the lifting mechanism. The longitudinal member maybe a channel wherein, once lowered, the gondola is positioned within thechannel of the longitudinal member such as, for example, a frame of thegondola is maintained within the channel. The lifting mechanism mayraise and lower the gondola by way of a hydraulic unit driving a ram. Insome examples, the ram may move the gondola in a vertical directiononly.

The method for moving shelving units, or a gondola, may further compriseassembling a second skate system, same as the first. The lifting devicemay be removed from the gondola, even as the first skate system issupporting the gondola. The lifting device may be repositioned on thegondola wherein the lifting mechanism engages or is attached to thegondola for inserting the second skate system below the gondola, same asthe first. Additionally or alternatively, additional lifting devices maybe used. The second skate system may be installed parallel to the firstskate system. One or more connector bars may be added to between thefirst skate system and the second skate system.

The method for moving shelving units, or gondolas, may further compriseremoving all lifting devices from each of the skate systems. The gondolamay then be moved across the ground, or floor, upon the first skatesystem and the second skate system. The first skate system and thesecond skate system may be moved by way of a pull ring. The pull ringmay be rotatably connected to a pull ring receiver of one of the skates.Upon pulling the pull ring, casters of each skate rotate into adirection of travel and each skate system may be moved in the directionof travel by way of the rotatable pull ring and casters.

Once the shelving unit, or gondola, has been moved into a position, thegondola may remain upon each respective skate system for additional useat a later date. Alternatively, each respective skate system may beremoved from the gondola for maintenance of the skate systems and/or forpermanently placing the gondola in its new position. To remove the skatesystems, the lifting device(s) again engage or are attached to thegondola. The lifting device raises the gondola from the skate system inthe same manner the gondola was lifted from the ground, or floor, aspreviously described above. Once raised from the skate systems, theskate systems may then be removed from the underside of the gondolathrough the void in the lifting device. Once the skate systems areremoved, the gondola may then be lowered to the ground, or floor, by wayof the lifting device. Once securely positioned on the ground, or floor,all of the lifting device(s) may be removed from the gondola.

Upon removal from the gondola, the moving system may be disassembled.The one or more connector bars may be removed from each respective skatesystem. In some examples, this may be accomplished by removing eachinsert hook from a respective receiving aperture. The connector bars maybe collapsible or adjustable for compact transport. Thereby, theconnector bars are collapsed into a transport configuration. Each skatemay be removed from the longitudinal member. In order to remove a skatefrom the longitudinal member a channel release button may be engaged torelease a locking mechanism of the skate, by way of a leaf spring, fromthe longitudinal member. The longitudinal member may then slidelaterally across the seat of the skate until it is removed from theskate. Once all of the skates are removed from the longitudinal member,the skate system has been disassembled. In other examples, the skatesystem may be transported fully assembled.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used in the claimsand specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an opengroup that may include other elements not specified. The terms “a,”“an,” and the singular form of words shall be taken to include theplural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or moreof something is provided. The terms “at least one” and “one or more” areused interchangeably. The term “single” shall be used to indicate thatone and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specificinteger values, such as “two,” are used when a specific number of thingsare intended. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,”“optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that anitem, condition or step being referred to is an optional (i.e., notrequired) feature of the examples.

While this invention has been described with reference to examplesthereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way ofillustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope ofthe claimed examples. Accordingly, the scope and content of the examplesare to be defined only by the terms of the following claims.Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any example discussedherein may be combined with one or more features of any one or moreexamples otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwisestated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for moving a shelving unit comprisingthe steps of: assembling a first skate system comprising at least twoskates connected along a length of a longitudinal member; attaching alifting mechanism to a frame of the shelving unit using a liftingdevice, the lifting device comprising the lifting mechanism; applying aload of the shelving unit to the lifting mechanism by raising thelifting mechanism; raising the lifting mechanism and the shelving unitto above a void formed through the lifting device; inserting the firstskate system in through the void to below the shelving unit wherein theshelving unit comprises one or more feet and one of the one more feet ofthe shelving unit is positioned above each of the at least two skates ofthe first skate system; and lowering the shelving unit onto the firstskate system wherein one of the one or more feet is positioned andsupported on a bearing surface of each of the at least two skates bylowering the lifting mechanism.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thelifting device further comprises two opposing base structures,supporting the lift mechanism, wherein a lift face of the lift mechanismis centrally positioned between the two opposing base structures in avoid there between.
 3. The method of claim 2 where, as the load isapplied, the two opposing base structures lower to the ground by way ofa suspension system.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the suspensionsystem comprises spring-loaded axles positioned between each wheel of aplurality of omnidirectional wheels and each base structure of the twoopposing base structure.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising thestep of inserting the shelving unit in through a channel formed in thelongitudinal member wherein a frame of the shelving unit is maintainedwithin the channel.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising thesteps of installing a second skate system below the shelving unitwherein one of the one or more feet of the shelving unit is positionedand supported on a bearing surface of a skate of the second skate systemand wherein the first skate system is parallel to the second skatesystem.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of adding aconnector bar between the first skate system and the second skatesystem.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of removingthe lifting device from the shelving unit while the shelving unit ispositioned on the first skate system.
 9. The method of claim 7 furthercomprising the step of moving the shelving unit on the first skatesystem and the second skate system after a step of removing the liftingdevice from the shelving unit.
 10. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising the step of rotating a pull ring into a direction of travelwherein the pull ring is rotatably connected to a pull ring receiver ofone of the at least two skates where, upon pulling the pull ring, fourcasters of each skate of each skate system are oriented into thedirection of travel.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the liftingmechanism is raised by a hydraulic unit driving a ram attached to thelifting mechanism wherein the lifting mechanism is moved by the ram in avertical direction only.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofattaching a lifting mechanism to a frame of the shelving unit includesattaching a yoke to the lifting mechanism at a dovetail structurewherein the yoke is secured to the frame of the shelving unit at a footof the shelving unit.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising astep of adjusting an elevation of the yoke at the dovetail structure byinserting spacers to the underside of the yoke at the dovetailstructure.
 14. A system for moving shelving units comprising: a firstskate system, the first skate system comprising a first skate, a secondskate, and a third skate wherein the first skate, the second skate, andthe third skate each engage a ground surface and are connected in alateral arrangement along a length of a longitudinal member; each of thefirst skate, the second skate, and the third skate extends across awidth of the longitudinal member and each of the first skate, the secondskate, and the third skate comprises at least four casters for engagingthe ground surface wherein a first pair of the at least four casters ispositioned to a first side of the longitudinal member and a second pairof the four casters is positioned to a second side of the longitudinalmember, opposite the first side the longitudinal member, and wherein thelongitudinal member is positioned on a bearing surface of each of thefirst skate, the second skate, and the third skate between each pair ofthe at least four casters of the respective first skate, the secondskate, and the third skate.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein the firstskate and the third skate each includes at least one pull ring receiverwith means for receiving a removable pull ring wherein the pull ringreceiver extends in a direction of the length of the longitudinalmember.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein each of the pull ringreceivers is positioned entirely below the longitudinal member.
 17. Thesystem of claim 15 wherein the removable pull ring comprises means torotate in a respective pull ring receiver of one of the at least onepull ring receiver when secured to the respective pull ring receiver.18. The system of claim 15 wherein a receiver end of the removable pullring rotates to opposing sides of a width of the longitudinal member andis clear of a cross-section of the longitudinal member when at theopposing sides.
 19. The system of claim 15 wherein each of the at leastfour casters of the first skate, the second skate, and the third skatehas means to maintain a direction of travel in the same direction as thedirection of travel as the pull ring when the skate system is pulled bythe pull ring.
 20. The system of claim 15 wherein the removable pullring is secured to the pull ring receiver by way of a compressionfitting.
 21. The system of claim 14 wherein each of the first skate, thesecond skate, and the third skate is symmetrical relative an axis of thelongitudinal member extending the length of the longitudinal member. 22.The system of claim 14 wherein each of the first skate, the secondskate, and the third skate comprises a metal frame with an injectionmolded exterior.
 23. The system of claim 22 wherein the injection moldedexterior contiguously engages each surface of the metal frame thereby atleast partially encasing the frame such that no adhesive is utilized toadhere the injection molded exterior to the metal frame.
 24. The systemof claim 22 wherein each of the first skate, the second skate, and thethird skate comprises one or more stand-off sections wherein the metalframe is devoid of the injection molded exterior at the one or morestand-off sections.
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein the first skateand the third skate each includes at least one pull ring receiver forreceiving a removable pull ring wherein the pull ring receiver extendsin a direction of the length of the longitudinal member and wherein atleast one of the one or more stand-off sections is located on each pullring receiver.
 26. The system of claim 24 wherein each of the castersare secured directly to the metal frame at one of the one or morestand-off sections.
 27. The system of claim 23 wherein each of the firstskate, the second skate, and the third skate further comprises means forsecuring the longitudinal member vertically within each skate.
 28. Thesystem of claim 27 wherein each of the first skate, the second skate,and the third skate comprises a means for securing the longitudinalmember horizontally within the respective skate, the means for securingthe longitudinal member horizontally being separate from the means forsecuring the longitudinal member vertically.
 29. The system of claim 14wherein the longitudinal member is non-load bearing and lightweight. 30.The system of claim 14 wherein the longitudinal member is supported byeach of the first skate, the second skate, and the third skate.
 31. Thesystem of claim 14 wherein a bottom side of the longitudinal member isrecessed below a top side of each respective pair of casters of eachskate.
 32. The system of claim 22 wherein the metal frame is yellowchromate zinc plated.
 33. The system of claim 14 wherein the first skatesystem is connected to a second skate system by a first connector bar.34. The system of claim 33 wherein a first insert hook of the firstconnector bar is inserted into a receiving aperture in one of the firstskate, the second skate, or the third skate of the first skate systemand a second insert hook of the first connector bar, positioned to anopposing end of the connector bar relative a length of the connectorbar, is inserted into a receiving aperture in one of a first skate, asecond skate, or a third skate of the second skate system.
 35. Thesystem of claim 34 wherein the length of the connector bar isadjustable.
 36. The system of claim 34 wherein a second connector barextends between another one of the first skate, the second skate, or thethird skate of the first skate system and another one of the firstskate, the second skate, or the third skate of the second skate systemin the same manner as the first connector bar.
 37. The system of claim33 wherein a length of the first connector bar is perpendicular to alength of the longitudinal member.
 38. The system of claim 34 whereinthe first insert hook and the second insert hook are each offset from awidth of the first connector bar.
 39. The system of claim 38 wherein thefirst insert hook and the second insert hook are inserted into therespective receiving apertures from above the respective skate using ameans for a toolless connection.
 40. A lifting device for lifting ashelving unit, the lifting device comprising: a lifting mechanismsupported on two opposing bases with a lift face of the liftingmechanism centrally positioned in a void between the two opposing baseswherein the two bases comprise a suspension system with at least twomulti-directional wheels extending from the suspension system whereinthe suspension system has means to lower the elevation of each opposingbase as a load is applied to the lifting mechanism.
 41. The liftingdevice of claim 40 wherein the suspension system lowers each opposingbase to a ground surface as the lifting mechanism raises when a load isapplied to the lifting mechanism.
 42. The lifting device of claim 40wherein a yoke is attached to the lift face of the lifting mechanism bya dovetail structure with means for the yoke to move vertically along alength of the dovetail structure.
 43. The lifting device of claim 42wherein the lifting mechanism moves the yoke by way of a ram extendingfrom a hydraulic assembly wherein the hydraulic assembly is secured to ahandle of the lifting device and the dovetail structure prevents anon-axial load from being applied to the ram.
 44. The lifting device ofclaim 43 wherein the lifting mechanism moves the yoke in a verticaldirection only.
 45. The lifting device of claim 42 wherein the yoke isremovable from the dovetail structure of the lifting mechanism.
 46. Thelifting device of claim 40 wherein the lifting mechanism elevates thelifting face to above the void between the two opposing bases.
 47. Thelifting device of claim 40 wherein the two opposing bases are positionedat opposing sides of a foot of the shelving unit when the liftingmechanism is engaged with the shelving unit.
 48. The lifting device ofclaim 40 wherein the lifting mechanism raises the shelving unit andallows an independent skate system to be inserted through the void to anunderside of the elevated shelving unit.
 49. The lifting device of claim40 wherein the lifting mechanism lowers the shelving unit onto theindependent skate system.
 50. The lifting device of claim 49 wherein thelifting mechanism is separable from the shelving unit when the shelvingunit is on the independent skate system.
 51. The lifting device of claim40 wherein the lifting mechanism is calibrated to move at an identicalrate as a second lift mechanism of a second lifting device so that theload will remain balanced as the load is applied to the liftingmechanism and the second lifting mechanism at different respectivelocations on the load.
 52. The lifting device of claim 43 wherein thelifting mechanism maintains its elevation when the lifting mechanism isnot in operation.
 53. The lifting device of claim 40 wherein the twoopposing bases comprise a rubber surface to an underside of the twoopposing bases.